LEINSTER ARE set to make a notable signing for next season, having lined up the highly regarded Auckland Blues goalkicking utility back Isa Nacewa, writes Gerry Thornley.

The New Zealand-born 25-year-old, who won a solitary cap for Fiji as a replacement in the 2003 World Cup, is a regular and outstanding player in the gifted Blues' backline and his capture would represent quite a coup.

Given the likelihood of Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald supplementing Leinster's more established Test stars on international duty, when they could have up half a dozen backs unavailable at any one time, Nacewa would provide them with cover from outhalf, centre and at fullback.

In a standard reply - as is the case with their attempts to sign the Springbok prop CJ van der Linden - with regard to Nacewa, Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson merely stated: "We've no comment to make. We never discuss signing players until the end of the season."

Nonetheless, the information from New Zealand is that Nacewa, a standout in this year's Super 14, has agreed a two-year deal with Leinster.

Other signings seem probable, although aside from Van der Linden, attempts to lure Rocky Elsom from the Waratahs are looking a little rocky.